New state bill on transgender students would improve access

Public schools in California would have to institute policies to deal with issues about access to school facilities and activities under a bill proposed at the Capitol by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco.

State law already prohibits schools from discriminating on the basis of gender identity, but backers of the measure, AB1266 , say some schools and school districts don’t provide access to restrooms, locker rooms or sports teams that align with the identity of transgender students.

But opponents say the bill might just encourage boys and girls to share showers and locker rooms. You can find out more about why some people oppose the bill — and what supporters argue in its defense — here.

Eli Erlick, 17, a transgender student in her school the Willits Charter School on Wednesday March 13th 2013.

Eli Erlick, 17, a transgender student in her school the Willits Charter School on Wednesday March 13th 2013.

Photo: SFC

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Eli Erlick, (right) and her long time friend Jenny Watts (left) in a classroom on Wednesday March 13th 2013 at the Willits Charter School. Watts and Erlick have been friends since the 7th grade.

Eli Erlick, (right) and her long time friend Jenny Watts (left) in a classroom on Wednesday March 13th 2013 at the Willits Charter School. Watts and Erlick have been friends since the 7th grade.

Photo: SFC

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Eli Erlick, 17, a transgender student in her school the Willits Charter School on Wednesday March 13th 2013.

Eli Erlick, 17, a transgender student in her school the Willits Charter School on Wednesday March 13th 2013.

Photo: SFC

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Eli Erlick, 17, a transgender teen during her piano lesson with her teacher Jenny Watts on Wednesday March 13th 2013. Watts has been Erlick's teacher for both classical and jazz piano for the past ten years. less

Eli Erlick, 17, a transgender teen during her piano lesson with her teacher Jenny Watts on Wednesday March 13th 2013. Watts has been Erlick's teacher for both classical and jazz piano for the past ten ... more

Photo: SFC

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Eli Erlick (right) a transgender student and her father Jason Erlick (left) in the Willits Charter School office, on Wednesday March 13th 2013. Jason Erlick is the business manager at the school, while Eli Erlick is in her senior year. less

Eli Erlick (right) a transgender student and her father Jason Erlick (left) in the Willits Charter School office, on Wednesday March 13th 2013. Jason Erlick is the business manager at the school, while Eli ... more